Big Problem;can't be solved w/ sledgehammer!!

Hello,
I am having a really big problem with our pressure tank. It is a galvanized ProSource pressure tank, which joins to our water line (in the basement) on a small metal line. On this line the switch box sits(ProControl, just replaced 2 wks. ago) a brand new pressure gauge, and the water line shut off valve. This valve can cut off the water to every faucet in the house if turned off. I have been searching the net far and wide to locate how to fix the horrible pressure we are suffering with. I followed the instructions to the T, yet it won't get past 10psi before dropping to 2psi. When the water is run for a shower, the pressure is pathetic to say the least, complete with surges every 7-10secs. I have replaced the switch box, the pressure gauge, the valve up top, and have used an air compressor to blow water out the open hole before putting the new gauge on. Nothing is working!! It burbles when the faucets are open an I am using the air compressor to fill it up top. The tank is not even 2 years old, and our last one served us well for 14 years. What do I do?? HELP!!
Thanks,
Jennifer

I think your looking in all the wrong places Jennifer. The tank does not generate the pressure, the pump does.

What kind of a pump do you have, jet or submersible? Can you tell if the pump runs all the time? (I would say it is if it can't get past 10psi.)

bob...

The air pressure that you are adding at the top when there is NO WATER in the tank must be LESS THAN the low pressure setting on the switch. If the air pressure is too high, the tank will run out of water before the pump comes on.

Use a tire gauge to check the air at the Schrader valve.

I Have a WaterAce Submersible Pump

The pump was replaced 1 year ago in the winter.

That doesn't mean it's working properly. If the water dropped below the pump for any length of time, it could have easily melted several impellers. That would explain the 10 psi.

I hope your checking this with a new gauge. If not, a $5.00 gauge might save you a lot of headaches.

bob...

Speedbump is right; it is imperative to have a pressure gauge on a water pump. No way to gauge cut-in or cut-off pressure or if the pump just isn't working right. Most times people gauge it off of the sounds it creates which might work, but why people don't put them in, who knows. Every pump I work or service has a working gauge on it when I leave. My long time customers appreciate it long after when I'm gone when the next time rolls around when the pump messes up; the gauge gives them some answers to what is going on.